ESPN predicts Suns a play-in team again. Blazers suffer key injury
ESPN posted Aug. 24 its "NBA Summer Forecast" projection for Eastern Conference and Western Conference standings.
ESPN's NBA analysts have projected the Phoenix Suns to finish eighth in the 2026-27 Western Conference standings with a 42-40 record. This places the Suns in the play-in group alongside the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz. The Blazers finished just behind the Suns in seventh place with a 43-39 record.
However, Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe is expected to miss six months due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, forcing the team to navigate the season without his key contributions. The Suns, who finished seventh in the West last season, will be looking to capitalize on Sharpe's absence as they aim to secure a higher playoff seed.
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